Why Money Tree Leaves Droop and Drop, and How to Fix It

Many people like the money tree (Pachira aquatica) mainly because its name carries a very auspicious meaning. Although a money tree does not really bring wealth, it is a natural air purifier and is very suitable for growing at home or in the office. However, some growers have seen their money tree leaves droop. So how do we save it in this situation?

Causes of drooping money tree leaves and solutions

1. Overwatering causes root rot: The main cause of drooping money tree leaves is water loss, which mainly includes root rot caused by overwatering, which in turn makes the leaves droop. When watering a money tree, one very important point is that the soil must not become waterlogged. Basically, when watering a money tree, water thoroughly, but waterlogging is strictly forbidden. Watering the soil for a long time and keeping it too moist will cause root rot, the water cannot be absorbed, and drooping leaves easily occur.

The rotten roots of the money tree can be treated by disinfecting with a disinfectant such as chlorothalonil, then repotting in fresh soil. After that, pay attention to watering to avoid root rot again.

2. Compacted soil: Another situation can also cause water loss in the money tree, and that is compacted soil. Because compacted soil reduces the ability of water to penetrate, the water cannot be absorbed by the roots, so the leaves lose water and droop. Therefore, when choosing soil, it is best to use loose, breathable soil. During money tree cultivation, loosen the soil appropriately so the roots grow normally and the soil has good permeability and drainage.

3. When growing a money tree, it needs suitable light. If it receives too little light, its branches and leaves will grow weakly, the leaves will be larger, and drooping will occur. When this happens, mainly prune it: cut off a section of the overly long branches, keeping the main trunk at 30cm, then make sure it has sufficient light, but avoid direct strong sunlight. If possible, apply a little special fertilizer.

What to do if the money tree drops leaves

1. Too much water or too little water

If the water does not penetrate when watering, over time it will be in a drought state, the roots cannot normally absorb water and nutrients, and the leaves age and fall off. At this time, water promptly, but control the amount of water, let it gradually recover, then return to normal watering.

2. Long-term lack of fertilizer or excessive fertilizer

If fertilizer has not been added and the soil has not been changed for a long time, the nutrients in the soil will be used up, causing it to lack nutrients and making the branches and leaves weak. At this time, we only need to repot it, replace it with new loose, fertile soil, and appropriately add a certain amount of diluted compound fertilizer and decomposed liquid fertilizer.

If too much fertilizer is accidentally applied, water heavily to let the excess fertilizer flow out with the water, or repot immediately. In the same way, rinse the root ball and then replant it in the pot.

3. Pests and diseases

An important cause of leaf drop is also pests and diseases. Leaf spot disease caused by infection with pathogens will make the leaves diseased, and in severe cases the entire leaf will fall off. So when abnormal yellow spots appear on the leaves, spray promptly for treatment.

What to do if the money tree leaves turn yellow

1. When overwatered, place it by a window for good ventilation and loosen the soil more. If the potting soil cannot dry out in a short time and is muddy, you can put a layer of absorbent cotton cloth under the bottom of the pot, replace it with a new one once it is soaked through, or use a fan on a low setting to blow on it. If after using all methods the soil still has not dried, then change the soil.

2. When underwatered, the soil surface cracks. If it has not turned completely yellow, replenish water gradually. First moisten the soil surface, water a little every hour, and gradually water thoroughly. Avoid watering thoroughly all at once, so the roots do not swell from absorbing water and affect growth.

3. For the situation where the money tree leaves turn yellow due to suddenly receiving sunlight, the chance of saving it is not great. When leaves turn yellow due to excessive exposure, the water in the leaves evaporates severely, and it is hard to recover in a short time. It is recommended to move it to partial shade. With appropriate watering, the yellowed leaves will slowly fall off, and once new buds grow it will be fine.

4. If too much fertilizer causes the money tree roots to rot, take the plant out of the pot, clean up the rotten parts, replace with new soil, and replant. Or dilute the nutrients in the soil by watering to reduce the fertilizer strength.

5. Strengthen ventilation and spray promptly with chemicals. For different pests and diseases, choose the corresponding fungicide, spray once every 5~7 days, and it will basically improve after 3~4 sprays. (Recommended chemicals: carbendazim, chlorothalonil, Huahuashen).

Causes of money tree root rot

1. Water accumulation in the pot. Money tree root rot is generally caused by water accumulation in the potting soil. When there is too much water in the pot, the roots stay in an overly wet environment for a long time, respiration is blocked, and the roots become soft and rot.

There are two main causes of water accumulation in the pot. One is excessive watering; the other is poor ventilation, being too humid and stuffy.

2. Pests and diseases

When the money tree is disturbed by pests and diseases, root rot can also occur. Because the water quality is poor and the potting soil is wet, pests and diseases easily breed, gnaw the roots, and cause rot.

Common pests and diseases that occur on money trees include: powdery mildew, root rot, and root-knot nematodes parasitic in the soil.

In summary, the money tree is actually a very easy plant to care for. Normally it does not need much management or care. If some problems appear, as long as they are remedied promptly, it basically will not die, making it very suitable for lazy growers!